Cycling at Calke Abbey

Riding the Tramway Trail 

If you're grabbing the bikes and helmets this summer, we recommend pedalling over to the Tramway Trail – Calke's only circular, multi-use trail. With a relatively flat terrain and minimal road crossings, it's the perfect route for a family bike ride.

The route takes you through woodland, farmland and pasture, as well as along part of the route of the historic horse-drawn tramway, which was used to cart limestone to the canal at Ashby at the turn of the 19th century. Download the trail below to give it a go.

Cycle hire now available

We're creating a brand-new cycle hire facility at Calke Explore which we hope to open this autumn. In the meantime, we've opened a temporary cycle hire hub in the Stableyards, within close pedalling distance of the Tramway Trail – Calke's accessible multi-use trail. 

Cycle hire is available every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday (Weds–Sun only) from 10am to 4.30pm (last hire 2.30pm).  

Prices: £6 for the first bike, £4 per additional bike for 2 hours hire, or add an extra hour for £1 per bike. Adult and children’s bikes are available, with a limited number of trailers and balance bikes. 

With hard surfaced paths, a relatively flat terrain and figure-of-eight route, the Tramway Trail the ideal route for beginner cyclists and anyone seeking a picturesque ride through the countryside. The cycle hire team will provide directions from the Stableyards to the Tramway Trail, or you can follow the downloadable trail below. 

Cycle hire small print 

• Helmets are included in your hire, but feel free to bring your own.  

• Please return your bike to the cycle hire hut before 4.30pm. You can hire a bike after 2.30pm, but please be aware that it will still need to be returned by 4.30pm.  

• Bikes are available to hire on a first-come, first-served basis (pre-booking not available at the moment). 

• There is no additional cost for a trailer or balance bike. 

• Cash and card payments are accepted.  

• All cycle equipment will be thoroughly sanitised after each use, and hand sanitiser will be available.  

More pedal power

Don't stop at cycling – refresh and refuel while you're here. The restaurant is open from 9.30am every day, and the kiosk at Calke Explore is open at weekends and peak times. 

There are some bike racks available at Calke Explore and in the Stableyards where you can safely leave bikes while you enjoy your refreshments. 

Our cycle code

We ask that cyclists behave responsibly, particularly with respect to other people enjoying the Calke Abbey estate, and the livestock in the parkland. Get the most out of your cycling adventure by following Calke's cycling code:

• Be courteous and patient with other path users, letting walkers know you're there and giving way to slower users.
• Control your speed according to the surface conditions, ensuring you can stop in time, and be wary of loose stones and tree roots, which can be slippery when wet. 
• Be particularly careful at road junctions and crossings, and look out for bends or other 'blind spots' where people could appear in front of you without warning.
• Remember to stick to the designated cycle routes – for more information please ask a member of the welcome team.
• Dismount when approaching the stableyard buildings, Tramway tunnels and gateways, and please close the gates behind you. 

You can help us care for Calke by taking all litter home with you, and presenting any National Trust membership cards to a member of the team.

Please note that all non-members arriving by car, bike or foot are required to pay an admission fee for entry into the parkland. This supports vital conservation work in the outdoors at Calke Abbey, so that we can protect this special place for everyone, for ever.